News
Raising young in nuclear family groups – evolutionary bliss for some birds
6 March 2020
Bird social groups are more complex than previously thought. Now, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have established that bird species which raise their young in nuclear family groups develop greater social complexity compared with species that raise their young in groups without family ties. Worms discovered in the brain of lizard embryos for the first time
2 March 2020
Researchers have discovered nematodes, or worms, in the brains of lizard embryos. This is the first time they have been found in reptile eggs, and it was previously believed that egg laying prevents parasites from being transmitted in this way. New study solves old climate mystery about ecosystems’ nutrient limitation
19 February 2020
The ability of global ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide is regulated to a large extent by the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. With lower plant access to these nutrients, greater volumes of carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere, instead of being absorbed by forests and other ecosystems. A new study has now charted the global patterns of this nitrogen and phosphorus limitation. Lund University receives SEK 100 million to coordinate major polar research project
13 February 2020
It has now been confirmed that Lund University will receive SEK 100 million from the EU to coordinate the international research project Interact for another four years. Among other things, the funding is to be used to send more polar researchers to the Arctic, make data available using artificial intelligence and reduce the research stations’ climate impact. Immune systems not prepared for climate change
31 January 2020
Researchers have for the first time found a connection between the immune systems of different bird species, and the various climatic conditions in which they live. The researchers at Lund University in Sweden believe that as the climate changes, some birds may be exposed to diseases that they are not equipped to handle. Dinosaur expert and planet formation guru are new honorary doctors of science
7 January 2020
Two top international researchers have been named honorary doctors at Lund University’s Faculty of Science. Mary Higby Schweitzer achieved cult status with her fossil finds, including from a pregnant Tyrannosaurus rex female. Through advanced observations, astronomer Thomas Henning gave the world an increased understanding of how stars and planets are formed. Falcons see prey at speed of Formula 1 car
7 January 2020
Extremely acute vision and the ability to rapidly process different visual impressions – these two factors are crucial when a peregrine falcon bears down on its prey at a speed that easily matches that of a Formula 1 racing car: over 350 kilometres per hour. Plant-eating insects disrupt ecosystems and contribute to climate change
18 December 2019
A new study from Lund University in Sweden shows that plant-eating insects affect forest ecosystems considerably more than previously thought. Among other things, the insects are a factor in the leaching of nutrients from soil and increased emissions of carbon dioxide. The researchers also establish that the temperature may rise as a result of an increase in the amount of plant-eating insects in some regions. Unique data confirms why water turns brown
18 December 2019
By analysing almost daily water samples taken from the same river from 1940 until today, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have confirmed their hypothesis that the browning of lakes is primarily due to the increase in coniferous forests, as well as rainfall and sulphur deposits. The use of certain neonicotinoids could benefit bumblebees, new study finds
4 December 2019
Not all neonicotinoid insecticides have negative effects on bees, according to researchers at Lund University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Their new study indicates that the use of certain neonicotinoids could benefit bumblebees and pollination. 